Actor Chad Lowe is taking on a new role as dad - his girlfriend is expecting their first child.

Emmy-winning star Lowe, 41, will welcome the new addition with his partner of two years, producer Kim Painter, this summer.

A spokesperson for the actor says, "The couple is overjoyed and could not be happier."

Lowe finalised his divorce from ex-wife Hilary Swank in 2007.

Last year, Lowe told People that his relationship with Painter helped him get through "a very dark period" after his split from Swank.